Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Indoor Plants (Updated | Dec 1st)
But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s truly the best? We’ve dug into the smelly (but effective!) world of fish-based nutrients to find the top picks that deliver lush growth without the guesswork. Whether you’re nurturing a fussy fern or a thriving pothos, we’ll help you choose a fertilizer that’s easy to use, odor-controlled, and packed with the nutrients your green friends crave. Let’s dive in.
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for all-purpose liquid: Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer (2-3-1) | All Purpose Liquid Plant Food for Indoor Plants & Outdoor Garden
- Best for odorless power: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for omri certified: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for deep green growth: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for houseplant miracle: Indoor Plant Food | All-purpose House Plant Fertilizer | Liquid Common Houseplant Fertilizers for Potted Planting Soil | by Aquatic Arts
- Best for large-scale organic: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for bulk odorless pack: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for salmon nutrient blend: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for extended size 5-1-1: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Indoor Plants
CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer, 1 Quart
- Promotes healthy plant growth with 11 vitamins
- Can be used on all indoor and outdoor plants
- 100-percent organic
- Stimulates microorganisms
- Does not burn
Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer (2-3-1) | All Purpose Liquid Plant Food for Indoor Plants & Outdoor Garden, Vegetables & Flowers | All-Natural Fish & Seaweed Formula Potted Plants & Garden Flowers (8 oz)
- ALL-PURPOSE PLANT FOOD FOR GARDEN & HOME: One versatile solution! Ideal liquid fertilizer for vegetables promoting yield, powerful flower fertilizer for vibrant blooms, effective indoor plants fertilizer, and general garden fertilizer for trees, shrubs, and containers.
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1, 18 Ounce
- Neptune’s Harvest is an organic fertilizer made from fresh north Atlantic fish
- It is made by a unique cold process that protects the vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and growth hormones
- It also contains all the micro and macro nutrients naturally found in fish
- Unlike fish emulsions, Neptune’s Harvest retains the fish proteins and oils and has no unpleasant odor
Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1, 115 oz
- Fish-based fertilizer for use in vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens
- Excellent for use on flowers, trees, and other plants
- OMRI listed
- For organic gardening
- Great for all indoor and outdoor plants
- NPK 5-1-1 fish emulsion fertilizer
- Fish has been used as a natural source of plant nutrients for centuries
- Easy to use, just mix with water
Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
Indoor Plant Food | All-purpose House Plant Fertilizer | Liquid Common Houseplant Fertilizers for Potted Planting Soil | by Aquatic Arts
- FEED HOUSE PLANTS: liquid fertilizer promotes healthy growth and stops wilt better than granules or pellets. Our 3-1-2 Miracle ratio makes living indoor plants thrive in pots, holders, and hangers.
- GROW REAL HOME DECOR: 1 teaspoon for every 2 cups of water includes nitrogen, phosphorus and other vitamins to boost root and bloom growth — easy plant pot growing for up to 1 year.
- Poinsettia, Pothos, Spider Plant, ZZ Plant, Aglaonema, Dioon, Fittonia, Jade Plant, Hoya Plant, Plumeria Plants, Yucca Plant, Hostas, Heuchera Plants, Dracaena Plant, Azalea, Orchid, Snake Plant
- Peace Lily, Begonia, African Violet, Aloe Vera Plant, Weeping Fig, Calla Lillies, Prayer Plant, Philodendron Plant, Dieffenbachia, Croton Plant, Christmas Cactus, Air Plants, Indoor Cactus, Mums
- Rubber Plant, Anthurium, Areca Palm, Lady Palm, Cyclamen, Peacock Plant, Dendrobium, Deacaena, Kalanchoe, Syngonium, Oakleaf Ivy, Aspargus Fern, Bamboo Palm, Boston Fern, Gerbera Daisy, Kimberley
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, 2-3-1 NPK – Sustainably Sourced and Hydrolyzed for Steady Growth
- ORGANIC FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER – Our liquid fish fertilizer is made from sustainably sourced fish emulsion and we use up all the parts that would otherwise go to waste. Using an environmentally conscious method, ingredients are refined fresh and 100% cold pressed to help retain all of the nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids needed to grow healthy plants.
- GROW PLANTS NATURALLY – This wonderfully organic alternative to synthetic fertilizer contains a 2-3-1 NPK ratio perfect for light and frequent applications. Promotes steady, healthy plant development throughout the growing season.
- ENRICHES SOIL – Helps build a strong foundation for your organic garden to thrive on! Use as an effective soil drench to improve fertility, structure, and encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms like fungi in your garden’s soil.
- PRODUCE MORE – Get the most out of your fertilizer and your garden! This organic garden fertilizer helps to increase crop yields and flower blooms. Gentle enough to use as a foliar spray makes this the perfect fish fertilizer for plants, flowers, and vegetables.
- SMELL THE DIFFERENCE – This fertilizer smells like fish because it’s made from fish! Crafted with high-quality concentrated and undiluted hydrolyzed fish emulsion each bottle gives off a pungent fishy aroma. When compared, we see it like this – if it doesn’t smell, then it’s not real fish!
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1, 36 Ounce
- Neptune’s Harvest is an organic fertilizer made from fresh north Atlantic fish
- It is made by a unique cold process that protects the vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and growth hormones
- It also contains all the micro and macro nutrients naturally found in fish
- Unlike fish emulsions, Neptune’s Harvest retains the fish proteins and oils and has no unpleasant odor
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer, Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food, 8 oz (250mL)
- Complete fish fertilizer for thriving plants
- Helps growth with natural harvest salmon nutrients
- Easy-to-follow care instructions included
- Made in the USA
Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What NPK ratio is best for indoor houseplants?
Indoor foliage plants generally thrive on a balanced ratio with slightly higher nitrogen to encourage leafy growth, such as 2-1-1 or 3-1-2. Products like the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (2‑3‑1) and the Indoor Plant Food (3‑1‑2) are formulated for this purpose. Choose a ratio that matches your plant’s growth stage—higher nitrogen for vegetative growth and a bit more phosphorus for blooming varieties.
How does fish emulsion differ from synthetic fertilizers?
Fish emulsion is an organic, liquid source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that also supplies micronutrients, amino acids, and growth hormones naturally found in fish. Synthetic fertilizers provide isolated nutrients but lack the beneficial microbes and organic matter that improve soil structure. For indoor plants, fish emulsion can boost soil health without the risk of chemical burn.
Which product gives the best value per ounce for indoor use?
The 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (≈128 oz) offers a low cost per ounce and a 2‑3‑1 ratio ideal for frequent, light feedings of houseplants. Compared to smaller 8‑oz or 16‑oz bottles, the larger size reduces price per ounce by roughly 40‑50 %. If you have many indoor plants, the gallon size provides the most economical option.
Are there odor concerns with fish fertilizers, and which brands minimize smell?
Traditional fish emulsions can have a strong fishy odor, but cold‑processed formulas like Neptune’s Harvest retain nutrients while eliminating the unpleasant smell. The Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5‑1‑1) and Central Garden Brands also claim a low‑odor profile. If scent is a priority for indoor use, choose a cold‑processed or low‑odor product.
How do the nutrient profiles of Central Garden Brands and Neptune’s Harvest compare?
Central Garden Brands offers an 11‑vitamin blend with a 5‑1‑1 NPK ratio, focusing on overall plant vigor and microbial stimulation. Neptune’s Harvest provides a 2‑4‑1 ratio with a cold‑processed formula that preserves enzymes and hormones, delivering higher phosphorus for root and flower development. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize leafy growth (5‑1‑1) or stronger root and bloom support (2‑4‑1).
Is an OMRI‑listed fish fertilizer necessary for indoor plants?
OMRI listing indicates the product meets organic certification standards, which can be important for growers who follow organic practices. While not required for indoor plant health, an OMRI‑listed fertilizer like Alaska Fish Fertilizer assures you of a clean, contaminant‑free formula. It also provides peace of mind for those using the same soil mix for edible indoor herbs.
What is the easiest application method for liquid fish fertilizers on houseplants?
Mix the recommended amount of fertilizer with water in a spray bottle or watering can and apply directly to the soil, avoiding leaf surfaces to prevent burn. Most products suggest 1‑2 teaspoons per gallon of water for foliage plants, while larger containers may need 1‑2 tablespoons. Consistent, light feedings every 2‑4 weeks keep nutrients available without over‑fertilizing.
Which fish fertilizer is the most versatile for indoor, outdoor, and edible plants?
The Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer (2‑3‑1) is marketed as an all‑purpose liquid food suitable for vegetables, flowers, trees, and indoor houseplants, making it highly versatile. Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5‑1‑1) is OMRI‑listed and safe for edible crops, while still effective on indoor foliage. If you need a single product for a mixed garden, the Seaweed blend offers the broadest applicability.